Spoiling His Reluctant Runaway Bride

In the study on the first floor of the Quinn family's villa.

Matthew and the old butler, David Chapman, both looked tense, brows tightly knitted.

"Mr. Quinn, are we overthinking this? Maybe we misunderstood Madam Quinn. I really think she meant well with this arrangement between you and Chloe," David said with worry.

Matthew walked to the window, stood there for a moment, and said coolly, "Misunderstood? If she hadn't set it all up behind my back, would I have ended up almost marrying Chloe?"

"Yes, I know Madam Quinn was strict with you before, didn't even let you see your father one last time, but maybe she had her reasons. Ever since you came back to the country after your father passed three years ago, even if she's not your real mom, you two have been getting along okay-"

"David," Matthew cut him off, clearly not in the mood to continue.

David quickly lowered his head. "Right, sorry, I spoke out of turn..."

Seeing how flustered David looked, Matthew's tone softened a bit.

"The only reason she treats me nicely is because it was Dad's dying wish. The only reason I've played the dutiful son is that I still feel guilty toward her in some way. If she can keep the peace moving forward, I'll treat her with respect, make sure she lives well-but she better not cross the line."

David looked pained. "Still, it's unfair to you. The last-minute call-off really offended the Garland family. They won't take that lightly."

Matthew let out a cold laugh, "Let them be."

Just then, a voice came from outside the window-Susan Greene calling out, "Mrs. Quinn, what are you doing here? It's dinner time."

Startled, Serena, who had been eavesdropping under the window, shot up in panic. She looked straight into Matthew's eyes-he was standing right inside by the window.

With a sheepish smile, she nervously called back, "Ah... right! Susan, I got a little lost." Then she bolted away like a frightened bunny.

Susan chuckled as she walked ahead. "Whenever Mr. Quinn and David are having a chat in the study, it's best to stay away. He doesn't like being disturbed."

"Yes, yes," Serena replied quickly, following along, heart still pounding. What did she just overhear?

So Matthew and Madam Quinn aren't actually blood relatives, and the engagement was her doing-that's why he called it off at the last minute. That cold-blooded, unreliable rich guy isn't so clueless after all-he's sharp, and clearly played his cards on purpose to humiliate Madam Quinn in public.

Wow. This man's not just a quiet CEO-he's got layers.

And now, stuck in this web of rich family drama, she-a total outsider who can't even defend herself-was right in the middle of it.

Serena suddenly stopped in her tracks, a new worry hitting her. Wait... I know too much now. What if Matthew decides to silence me?

Her voice was shaky as she turned to Susan, putting on a pitiful look. "Um... Susan, I think I left my bracelet back there. Mind if I run back and grab it?"

Thankfully, Susan didn't suspect anything. "Of course, but be quick. I'll go ahead and tell the kitchen to start dinner."

With a sweet smile, Serena chirped, "Okay!"

After Susan walked off, Serena looked around cautiously. With the sun setting, it was now or never to slip away quietly.

But the Quinn family estate was way too big. Everywhere she turned-big gates, side doors-they were all guarded and brightly lit. She'd have to find a dark path without lights to make her escape.

Back in the study, David and Matthew exchanged uneasy glances-they realized someone had heard them.

David hesitated, then asked, "About Ms. Dawson... what should we do with her?"

Matthew sat down at the desk, lips curling into a faint sneer. "It's not over yet. She's not going anywhere."

David nodded slowly, eyes narrowing in thought.